🔗 2024-12-06 Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein Official Statement (Full Text)

Hello, this is Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.

We write this with a heavy heart, feeling apologetic for releasing this statement amidst such a turbulent situation.

We recently learned through the media that ADOR has filed a lawsuit against the five of us seeking confirmation that our exclusive contract is valid. In their statement, ADOR failed to properly argue that there was no breach of contract; instead, they are merely reiterating the claim that because the company provided support and investment, contract termination is impossible until they recoup that investment.

However, we have already returned profits to ADOR and HYBE that exceed the investment amount. Nevertheless, HYBE attempted various forms of obstruction, including slander and ‘reverse viral marketing,’ to undermine our value, and ADOR condoned this after the change in management. This is tantamount to the very company that should be protecting us producing malicious comments itself. Especially considering this irretrievable breakdown of trust, we have reached the conclusion that there is a high possibility we will suffer even greater damage in the future.

The trust in ADOR and HYBE, which failed to properly fulfill even the duty to protect their artists and violated contract terms on multiple occasions, has already been shattered. As stipulated in the exclusive contract, there is no longer any reason for us to work with ADOR and HYBE.

The exclusive contract clearly contains a provision stating that if ADOR fails to fulfill its contractual obligations, we may terminate the contract.

Despite this breakdown of trust and breach of contract, forcing us to work for five more years is not only unreasonable but also inhumane treatment.

We gave ADOR a 14-day grace period and demanded rectification of the contract violations, but ADOR did not rectify them at all. Accordingly, we notified ADOR of the contract termination pursuant to the exclusive contract, and this took effect immediately.

ADOR has filed a lawsuit seeking the court’s judgment on whether this termination is lawful, but this is merely a procedural step to seek court confirmation ex post facto. Nevertheless, we express deep regret that they have released a statement misleading the public as if the contract were still valid.

We wish to state clearly once again: we are no longer affiliated with ADOR as of November 29, 2024. ADOR cannot interfere with or intervene in our activities.

While outwardly professing to attempt dialogue and reconciliation, behind our backs, they had us stalked and slandered. When we saw articles from media outlets that spread false facts, we could not help but feel terror and revulsion. However, no matter how much they try to drive a wedge between us, the five of us are united as one, and no one can divide us.

Immediately after announcing the termination of the exclusive contract, we have been faithfully carrying out the remaining schedules with ADOR as promised. However, we witnessed the managers and performance directors who were helping us with those schedules crying after suffering severe harassment, such as having their laptops confiscated by ADOR and HYBE and being subjected to unannounced investigations. We find such behavior towards the staff who are proceeding with the remaining schedules very difficult to accept, and it is distressing to know that the people suffering damage due to this unconscionable and inhumane company do not end with us.

Although we expect the road ahead to be difficult, we dream of a life with the fans who love us through healthy musical activities. And we are determined to achieve that dream.

Even after the CEO was replaced, and despite HYBE’s various problems being revealed multiple times, ADOR did not rectify them. Far from protecting us, they did not even demand improvements from other labels that defamed us and spread false facts. In addition to this, we find it deeply regrettable that ADOR, which had been consistent only with evasive excuses, had the audacity to file a lawsuit instead. However, we hope that the circumstances under which we were compelled to choose contract termination and ADOR’s reasons for contract violation will be fully brought to light through the trial process.

We aspire to be courageous and healthy people. We sincerely thank the many people who have supported us so far, and we ask for your continued interest and love for the five of us.

Thank you.